Share this URL Jaimie TruebloodUniversal Pictures will reimburse theaters that beef up security for this weekend's opening of the NWA biopic "Straight Outta Compton."
Theaters that pack extra security heat for screenings of the new rap biopic “Straight Outta Compton” will be reimbursed by Universal Pictures, the studio announced ahead of the film’s release.

“The studio has not solicited enhanced security for theaters who will begin showing it this weekend, but has partnered with those exhibitors who have requested support for their locations,” a Universal spokesperson told Variety.

The film, which opens Friday, tells the story of the California rap group N.W.A., who rose to fame and ruffled the FBI in the late ‘80s with incendiary anthems like “F--- Tha Police.”

Universal didn’t specify a reason for its security deal, but one expert suggested some fans might agree all too strongly with the band’s contempt for cops.

“Police don’t come out in a good light (in the film) and there is a feeling in the country that is anti-police and anti-establishment, and crowds are affected by movies,” Tom DeLuca, president of National Cinema Security, told Reuters.

The decision also comes in the wake of a recent mass shooting at a screening of “Trainwreck” in Lafayette, La.; an attack at a showing of “Mad Max: Fury Road” in Nashville, Tenn.; and the jury decision to avoid the death penalty for James Holmes, who fatally shot 12 and injured 70 at a screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in 2012.

Intense protests in Ferguson, Mo., also reignited this week for the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s police shooting death, with a black teenager getting wounded in a shootout with police.

“Straight Outta Compton” had beefed up security at its Los Angeles premiere Monday, with guests asked to go through metal detectors before buying tickets. No incidents were reported.

Reps for NWA members Dr. Dre and Ice Cube did not immediately respond to requests for comment.